Page 133 of An Empress of Air & Chaos

Naya Blacksteel.

She concentrated on her face and nothing else.

“That’s it. Calm your mind. Place your palms on your chest and feel your heartbeat.”

Emara could feel her heartbeat slam against her palm at an unhealthy rate. “I feel it”.

“Good girl, now repeat after me,” Naya said. “Here and now, I call forth the elemental power of water.”

Emara repeated after Naya, trembling as she spoke.

“I call you forth to heal the fire.”

She could hear another voice begin the chant.

“I call to the ocean waves. I call to the purest streams.”

And another joined. “I call forth from the trickling rain. I call you here to infuse my intention.”

Women around the room joined in her chant. “Carry my purpose to your current and wash out the flame in my magic.”

Emara felt cold drizzling on her skin, but she dared to open her eyes.

“Again,” Naya Blacksteel called. “Here and now, I call forth the elemental power of water.”

Every witch in the room continued to chant until Emara’s hair was drenched by heavy rain. Her gown, weighty with water, threatened to pull her shaking legs down. She opened her eyes and droplets of water clung to her long, black lashes.

As Emara looked around, she noticed the full destruction of the room. Ashes from her flame now filtered to the floor, mixing in the water. The champagne drapes no longer hung against the windows. Shattered glass glistened on the floor, bathing in dark red blood. Bodies lay lifeless and broken among the wreckage. She could see Hunters in the background trying to aid the wounded. The ballroom was fully destroyed and so was her heart.

“We need to go, honey; we must get you out of here,” Naya Blacksteel’s voice broke her focus. Naya’s eyes were a soft blue and solely focused on her. She held out her hand.

“I can’t leave her,” Emara whispered.

“You are not leaving her. She will be with you, always.”

“I can’t leave her body here. I won’t.” Emara’s voice scratched against her throat and a gust of wind blew through the room again.

“You don’t have to, my love.” Naya didn’t lower her hand or her gaze. “I will see to it that the boys bring her home to you. Wherever that will be, they will bring her body to rest. I promise you that.” A kindness in her eyes allowed Emara to believe that she wouldn’t break her promise. “But we must get you out of here. You have drained yourself of magic and you are in shock. It’s a dangerous and vulnerable time for a Witch. We must leave. Hold my hand.”

She slowly dragged her feet towards her, raising her shaking hand. The minute Emara touched Naya’s hand, a calming energy released over her body, spreading as quickly as the fire had.

“You’re a Witch,” she stuttered. “A healer.”

“Did the chanting give me away?” she smiled warmly. Emara’s body swayed, but she held on to Naya’s hand. “Gideon!” Naya shouted.

In a flash, Gideon was by her side. She gave him one curt nod. Gideon placed his hand around Emara’s back and swept underneath her legs to embrace her in a hold against his chest. Pain pounded in Emara’s head and the world shifted around her, changing shape.

“What is happening?” Emara tried to speak. “Put me down. Get off me! You betrayed me!” Emara tried to thrash in Gideon’s arms but her limbs were heavy. She didn’t have much left to give as she struggled to keep her lids from closing.

“You are drained, my love. We are going to get you to safety. Just let Gideon carry you.”

“Mother, please give her something. Ease her pain,” Gideon begged.

“You don’t make decisions for me.” Emara’s tongue felt like it was too big for her mouth.

“Mother!” Gideon’s voice was short.

“Get her back to our cottage, in the Fairlands. The wards will still be up around the cottage, they are my own. She will be safe there for now.” She paused and placed a hand on his shoulder. “They will come looking again.” She looked at Emara. Gideon’s face was subdued. “I must find Kellen and Torin, then we will be right behind you. Take this.” Emara couldn’t see what Naya had given Gideon. “Place it at the back of her neck and she will rest. Stay safe, my boy.” She kissed his cheek and disappeared into the crowd.

---